Participating in The Big Table is easy and rewarding—but don’t just take our word for it. Donte Woods-Spikes, a Big Table Ambassador who has hosted numerous conversations, recently sat down with five members of the community to discuss the value of being part of The Big Table, as well as the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Join The Big Table® on September 25, 2024, a day of community building and conversation in support of a kind, connected central Ohio.

At this year's Celebration of Philanthropy, The Columbus Foundation announced a historic commitment to the community through the establishment of a more than $55 million endowed scholarship fund.

Family and friends established this fund in memory of F. David Smucker, a former president of the boosters for the Grove City High School Marching Band, to support Grove City High School students for the post-secondary study of music.

The scholarship was created to honor the late Kenneth B. Creasy, who died unexpectedly in June of 1992. Mr. Creasy was a former social studies teacher and speech and debate coach at Olentangy and Hayes high schools in Delaware County, Ohio.

A scholarship for higher education was created to honor and recognize Betty Morse Minutilli, Marion Harding High School (1936-1939). The fund is made in recognition of her compassionate contributions in volunteer work supporting numerous causes, as a Registered Dietician, wife and mother, having demonstrated her caring, giving nature in abundance to her friends, family, and community.

The Leslie Ann Yovan Scholarship was created by her family to honor the memory of their daughter and sister. Leslie was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1985. She completed all state requirements and graduated in just three years with a 4.0 grade point average. Upon leaving Grandview, she attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and then went on to earn her law degree at Georgetown School of Law. She became an associate attorney at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur law firm. Music, art, nature, and reading were Ms. Yovan's favorite activities, when she was not working.

The scholarship was created by donors with a firm belief in the value of education to encourage high school graduates who need financial assistance to pursue higher education. With many years of strong ties to the Grove City community, the fund provides financial assistance to academically talented students in the Grove City, OH community who otherwise might be unable to attend college.

This fund was established in memory of Austin D. White. Mr. White was a commercial airline pilot who died in 1972. The fund provides an annual scholarship for a graduate of Watkins Memorial High School. This scholarship is awarded annually to graduating Watkins Memorial High School students, and is based on the students' need, academic qualifications, and athletic ability. The recipients are those who stand in the highest position averaging out scholastic ability and athletic ability, and who also demonstrate financial need.